Hey Subscriber First Name,

Even though summer is winding down, there’s a whole lot to look forward to, including here in our Common Ground community. Please take a few minutes to look through this latest edition of CG Happenings to hear about what’s on the horizon!

A quick thought from Randy:

I sat in my living room for what felt like an indefinite amount of time, hearing one repeated request mixed with the inflection of voices caused by laughter and hopping on the couch: "Look, daddy! Look!"

Aden and Bowen are two and a half years old and at the point where they love nothing more than to be recognized and focused on. This attention communicates that they are worth my time and attention and I'm told that this developmental season can last a really long time (even our whole lives) and that as a parent, responding with my undivided attention is particularly impactful for their development into healthy, mature, thriving kids.

"Look, daddy! Look!" And it really wasn't enough to just look. Even as I stared into their eyes, they did not move a muscle. They wanted to know I was looking; they did not proceed with jumping off the couch until I stated in no uncertain terms, "Okay, Daddy's watching!"

I sat there, focusing my gaze on them and repeating my line in the script with all the sincerity I could muster. Back and forth we went. My mind drifted: What if this was part of what Jesus was getting at when He said, "Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3, ESV)? What if the path of living life in Jesus and growing into healthy, mature, thriving citizens in His world is marked by a posture that constantly says "Look, daddy! Look!"? To be clear, what I'm describing isn't a question born out of fear of what might happen if we don't ask, or one that's flowing from an obligation that we probably should ask. The "Look, daddy! Look!" I'm describing, like that of my boys with me, comes from a heart that finds no greater joy than knowing our Father is seeing us and focusing on us. His gaze reminds us that we are worth His time and attention.

So here's an invitation, to myself as much as anyone reading this: today, say it. Not the polished version, not the version that sounds appropriately mature and self-sufficient. Say a childish, joyful "Look, Daddy. Look!" Maybe even a couple times. And then — this is the harder part — hear and believe the answer that's already been given through the storyline of Scripture, the person of Jesus, and continues to be repeated through the presence of the Holy Spirit: Okay. I'm watching. I have been all along!

• Randy Folkenberg, Pastor

Join us for our September & October CG Gathers!

September: Central Oregon Convocation
When? Sept 25-26
Address: Bend Adventist Fellowship (21610 NE Butler Market Rd, Bend, OR 97701)

Starting Friday, September 25, the Central Oregon Convocation will gather at the Bend SDA Church. This annual gathering brings together Seventh-day Adventist churches from across Central Oregon for a weekend of worship, prayer, learning, and encouragement as we follow Jesus together. Convocation is a chance to step outside our individual congregations and connect with the broader church community in our region. Through worship, inspiring speakers, meaningful conversations, and time together, we’ll have the opportunity to build relationships, grow in faith, and be reminded of the shared mission that unites us.

October: Evening Worship with Paddy McCoy
When? October 17, 5-7PM
Address: TBA

An evening Gathers is happening October 17 from 5–7 PM, and we’d love for you to join us! We’ll share a meal together, spend time connecting with one another, and hear a message from our special guest speaker, Pastor Paddy McCoy.

Gathers are a chance for the whole Common Ground community to come together, make space around the table, and reconnect beyond our usual LifeGroup rhythms. Whether you’ve been around Common Ground for years or are newer to the community, this is a great opportunity to come, share a meal, meet some new people, and be encouraged together. Location and additional details will be announced soon.

New LifeGroup in Redmond begins September 12

CG is excited to share that the group laying the groundwork for our third house-church has identified September 12 as its first gathering! They'll be gathering around a meal and focusing on growing an intergenerational family of faith that can extend grace and support to each other in life and in a shared pursuit of Jesus.

This new house church will begin meeting Saturday, September 12, from 5:00–7:00 PM. Whether you’ve been part of Common Ground for years, are just beginning to explore faith, or are simply looking for a community to do life with, you’re welcome to join us!

If you or anyone you know might be interested in this group, send us a message and pass the word along! We invite everyone to set a reminder to pray for this brand new initiative!

Why a new LifeGroup?

This approach is rooted in the picture we see in Acts 2:42–47, where followers of Jesus shared life together in homes, around tables, and throughout their communities. It’s relational rather than program-driven, simple and sustainable, and designed to multiply healthy Jesus-centered communities.

Interested in joining or learning more? Reach out to us at info@commongroundbend.org.

HomeBase Cohort: Growing Leaders for House Churches

Our second annual HomeBase Cohort is launching this November, and we’re excited to invite those who feel called to grow as leaders within Common Ground and beyond.

HomeBase is a six-month journey designed to guide followers of Jesus toward house-church leadership. Through a mix of teaching, conversation, practice, reflection, and community, participants will dive deeper into the Good News of Jesus and the community of His followers while exploring what it looks like to pursue holistic, heart-level spiritual growth.

Along the way, participants will hear from guest presenters who bring experience and expertise from a variety of fields, practice leading in a safe and constructive environment, and develop practical tools for cultivating intentional relationships and healthy, Jesus-centered communities. The hope is not simply to become better leaders, but to grow personally and spiritually so we can faithfully guide and encourage others in every area of life.

After listening to feedback from our first cohort, we’ve made some changes to the overall schedule, creating a shorter and more focused experience while preserving the core of what made HomeBase meaningful. The cohort will run from November 2026 through April 2027, with a break over the holidays, giving everyone space to rest, celebrate, and enjoy the Christmas and New Year season before returning in the new year.

Interested in learning more or joining the November 2026–April 2027 cohort? Email info@commongroundbend.org to learn more and get the details.

Here’s what a few participants from our first cohort had to say:

“I now feel confident that I can be a leader in our house church community and rely on those who participated in this cohort to offer support and guidance through my growth as a disciple.”

“I feel excited to pursue some new spiritual territory and apply new learnings.”

“I grew in relying on others to support our community instead of the need to do it all myself. A leader is part of a team, and I’ve better learned how to accept the support of my ‘team members.’”

Sept. 17–20: Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Backpacking Trip

Some of our most profound experiences of peace, wonder, and connection with God happen in the grandeur of nature. This September, a group from Common Ground will be heading into the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness for four days of backpacking, community, reflection, and making space to be attentive to God’s presence in the natural world.

Together, they’ll journey through incredible terrain while slowing down, learning from one another, and experiencing the kind of intentional connection with God and creation that can be difficult to find in everyday life.

This trip is currently full, but if you’d like to be considered should a spot open up, please reach out to us at info@commongroundbend.org to be added to the waitlist.

Friday PM & Saturday AM LifeGroups: Looking Ahead Together

October 30/31 and November 6/7

If you’ve been part of either of these two LifeGroups, or if you’d like to help shape their future, we ask that you mark October 30/31 and November 6/7 on your calendar and plan to be present!

Over these two weekends, we’ll take time to reflect on what God has been doing in these communities and prayerfully discern how He is inviting us to move with Him into the future. We’re excited to listen, share, and dream together about what’s next.

If at all possible, please make every effort to be there!

Register for our Silence & Solitude Retreat!

October 23-25.
Join Common Ground this October for a weekend Silence & Solitude Retreat along Oregon's beautiful McKenzie River. In the midst of autumn's quiet beauty, we'll step away from the noise and demands of everyday life to make space for deep listening: to our own hearts, to God, and to one another. You don't need to be an expert in contemplative practices to join us. We are ordinary people learning together in community that wholeness requires slowing down and making room for being intentionally present. Whether you are new to silence and solitude or have practiced it for years, this retreat offers a welcoming space to explore these ancient rhythms together, be seen and heard, and rediscover the companionship of the Divine.

What to Expect

• Shared meals, worship, and reflection to help settle into the retreat experience.

• Guided introductions to the practice of silence and solitude, designed for both beginners and experienced practitioners.

• Extended solitude sessions with freedom to pray, journal, walk, reflect, rest, or spend quiet time in nature along the McKenzie River. 

• Guided deep-listening experiences that create space to hear God, attend to your own heart, and connect more deeply with others.

• A guided relaxation and sound bath to encourage rest, renewal, and attentive presence. 

• A silent community breakfast and closing reflection focused on carrying these practices into everyday life.

Whether you're new to silence and solitude or have practiced it before, this retreat offers an opportunity to slow down, disconnect from the noise, and make space for deeper listening, rest, and connection.

Cost includes 5 meals, 2 nights of lodging, and facilitated retreat content. If cost is a barrier to your attendance, please reach out to us.

Join Common Ground’s Expedition to Nepal

March 18–30, 2027

This spring, Common Ground is heading back to Nepal! From March 18–30, 2027, we’ll be partnering with Big Lake Expeditions for an adventure that combines service, challenge, community, and growth.

As a team, we’ll serve in a medical clinic, hike the Mardi Himal trekking route, and explore life and leadership principles along the way. It’s an opportunity to step outside our everyday routines, experience a different culture, serve alongside others, and discover what God might have in store for us along the way.

Interested in joining? Want to learn more or ask questions about the trip, financial support, or fundraising opportunities? Reach out to Randy Folkenberg at randy@commongroundbend.org.

Ready to take the next step? Register below.

A Prayer for Nepal

As we prepare for this expedition, we’re also holding the people of Nepal close in our thoughts and prayers. The recent devastation from catastrophic flooding and landslides has brought tremendous loss, uncertainty, and hardship to communities across the country. We invite you to pray for those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods, for those still waiting for news of family and friends, and for the many people working to bring help and hope to those affected. May God bring comfort, strength, healing, and peace to the people of Nepal in this difficult time.

Supporting a local climbing festival at Smith Rock

Common Ground is excited to support the first annual Smith Rock Climbing Festival, a locally-run climbing festival taking place Saturday, October 3. Learn more and register below! Bee sure to use COMMONGROUND10 for a 10% discount.

Remember, our climbing festival, On This Rock has been moved to next spring! Make sure you've got On This Rock Climbing Festival on your calendar: May 21–23, 2027.

Common Ground Save the Dates!

COMMON GROUND GATHERS
- September 25-26: Central Oregon Adventist Convocation
- October 10: Evening Worship Gathering w/Paddy McCoy
- November 14: Musical Worship Night
- December 12: Christmas Party

All Gathers dates and timing are subject to change, but will be officially announced via our website and social media profiles closer to each date.

GROUP-RUN/WALK CREW, Every Thursday in the evening
Every week on Thursday evening for several months now a group of our CG fam and their friends, led by Cody Davis, has meet up for a trail run. We just want to take a moment to celebrate and highlight this! If you’d like to join in on the runs, give us a shout!

REDMOND LIFEGROUP LAUNCH, September 12 5-7pm
We’re absolutely thrilled to announce a new House Church in Redmond, Oregon. They'll be gathering around a meal and focusing on growing an intergenerational family of faith that can extend grace and support to each other in life and in a shared pursuit of Jesus.

BACKPACKING WEEKEND, Mt. Jefferson, September 17-20
Some of our most profound experiences of peace, wonder, and connection with God happen in the grandeur of nature. This September, a group from Common Ground will be heading into the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness for four days of backpacking, community, reflection, and making space to be attentive to God’s presence in the natural world. Together, they’ll journey through incredible terrain while slowing down, learning from one another, and experiencing the kind of intentional connection with God and creation that can be difficult to find in everyday life. This trip is currently full, but if you’d like to be considered should a spot open up, please reach out to us at info@commongroundbend.org to be added to the waitlist.

FRI & SAT LIFEGROUPS: LOOKING AHEAD TOGETHER SESSIONS, Oct 30/31 + Nov 6/7
If you’ve been part of either of these two LifeGroups, or if you’d like to help shape their future, we ask that you mark October 30/31 and November 6/7 on your calendar and plan to be present! Over these two weekends, we’ll take time to reflect on what God has been doing in these communities and prayerfully discern how He is inviting us to move with Him into the future. We’re excited to listen, share, and dream together about what’s next.

SILENCE & SOLITUDE RETREAT, October 23-25
Join Common Ground this October for a weekend Silence & Solitude Retreat along Oregon's beautiful McKenzie River. In the midst of autumn's quiet beauty, we'll step away from the noise and demands of everyday life to make space for deep listening: to our own hearts, to God, and to one another. You don't need to be an expert in contemplative practices to join us. We are ordinary people learning together in community that wholeness requires slowing down and making room for being intentionally present. Whether you are new to silence and solitude or have practiced it for years, this retreat offers a welcoming space to explore these ancient rhythms together, be seen and heard, and rediscover the companionship of the Divine.

SUPPORTING SMITH ROCK CLIMBING FESTIVAL, October 3
Common Ground is excited to support the first annual Smith Rock Climbing Festival, a locally-run climbing festival taking place Saturday, October 3. To learn more and register, click HERE AND be sure to use COMMONGROUND10 for a 10% discount. And make sure you've got On This Rock Climbing Festival on your calendar: May 21–23, 2027.

NEPAL EXPEDITION, Spring 2027
This spring, Common Ground is heading back to Nepal! From March 18–30, 2027, we’ll be partnering with Big Lake Expeditions for an adventure that combines service, challenge, community, and growth. As a team, we’ll serve in a medical clinic, hike the Mardi Himal trekking route, and explore life and leadership principles along the way. It’s an opportunity to step outside our everyday routines, experience a different culture, serve alongside others, and discover what God might have in store for us along the way. Interested in joining? Want to learn more or ask questions about the trip, financial support, or fundraising opportunities? Reach out to Randy Folkenberg at randy@commongroundbend.org.

ON THIS ROCK CLIMBING FESTIVAL, May 21-23 2027
Our planning team is using this extra time to assess OTR and dial it in even more toward it’s mission—improving accessibility, experiencing belonging, and considering Jesus in the climbing space. Please keep our team in prayer, reach out to us with any ideas you have for OTR’s future, and block out May 21–23, 2027 for the next OTR!